The Story of Minora: A Testament to Resilience, Passion, and Creation
The story of Minora is not just that of a simple perfume company; it's a poignant testimony to resilience, passion, and the power of creation in the face of adversity. Founded by a computer engineer, Minora is more than just a brand - it's a reflection of a personal journey that found its essence in the art of perfumery.
At its core, Minora's creator, Amina Ammar, is a computer engineer by training, having obtained her degree in 2018 after five years of studies. She worked for several years in startups and as a freelancer. However, her life took an unexpected turn with the onset of COVID-19. The disease had a profound impact on her professional life, leading her to a period of intense introspection. She felt unable to work in an office or as part of a team, prompting her to question the meaning of her life and what she truly wanted to do.
It was then that a long-held passion resurfaced: since childhood, she had been fascinated by fragrances, perfumes, and distillation. Rather than giving up in the face of illness, she took advantage of this period to develop her skills in perfumery, both in Tunisia and abroad, experimenting with blends and creations.
The Birth of Minora...
The idea of launching her own brand, Minora, was born from this deep immersion in the world of perfumes. The name "Minora" is simply her first name, "Mina," and "ora" represents the energy emanating from people. The adventure began organically, without an initial business plan, guided solely by her dream and passion. A year after launching, she never imagined achieving such success.
The Philosophy of Minora
Minora's philosophy is rooted in authenticity. Amina insists that each perfume she creates tells a story. Her first perfume, "Musky Lemon," uses unexpected notes to tell a personal story, far from market trends. The perfumes are entirely handmade, a process she greatly appreciates. She highlights the importance of "handmade" and "craftsmanship" in Tunisia, regretting that local brands often lack the visibility they deserve.
The Journey Wasn't Without Obstacles
The path wasn't without its challenges. Initially, she faced difficulties in sourcing extracts, with high costs and uncertainties about the brand's sustainability in Tunisia, particularly due to the lack of business structures. She had to question the legality of her brand, a process that requires great patience in Tunisia. However, she persevered, continuing to educate herself and find new suppliers, affirming that nobody knows everything and that there is always more to learn.
Despite the initial challenges, she wasn't discouraged and even saw an opportunity to launch herself. She emphasizes the transparency of ingredients: each note she purchases comes with its certification, guaranteeing the safety and quality of her products, a approach that distinguishes her from some local cosmetic brands.
Future Ambitions: Exportation!
Today, after establishing her brand in Tunisia, Amina aspires to export her products. This is a major objective, although she acknowledges the administrative and customs difficulties related to exporting cosmetic products. She is currently researching and preparing the necessary steps, including labeling and ingredient analysis to conform to international standards.
Beyond the commercial aspect, Minora carries a powerful message. Amina insists that illness, like hers or others, should never be a barrier to achieving one's dreams. She considers her illness not as a handicap, but as the catalyst that pushed her to question herself and find her true path. Her experience is a call to youth and all those who hesitate: seize opportunities, don't be afraid, and hold on to your dreams.
Minora is the embodiment of the philosophy that passion and determination can transform any obstacle into a springboard for success, offering the world not only beautiful fragrances but also an invaluable source of inspiration.
